Structure for prefabricated

ABSTRACT

A base structure for the production of prefabricated units includes, in one embodiment, a frame having at least two posts opposed to each other. One or a plurality of panels are framed within the posts to realize the base structure. The structure further includes, at predetermined heights h in the posts, couples of holes coaxial to each other to allow the insertion of tie bars configured to apply a reciprocal approaching action to the posts such to block the panels enclosed between them.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to the technical field of constructions ofprefabricated units and the like. In particular, it refers to a new typeof structure for the realization of walls of prefabricated type.

The present invention also refers to an assembly method of the samestructure.

STATE OF THE ART

Nowadays prefabricated structures are well known that allow, in a fastand economic way, to construct houses of any kind. For example,prefabricated units are commonly used for the realization of warehouses,garages, garden gazebo or structures in general, where reduced cost andrapidity of realization are important features. However, it is a commonusage also for the realization of real houses provided with all thecomforts.

A structure of prefabricated type, according to the prior art, isrealized by putting together parts that have been previously preparedand at least partially pre-assembled. These parts are modular to eachother and are constituted mostly by wood or other types of materialsthat are easily machinable. Using for example wood (but also a materialof different kind but with similar features), it is known how it ispossible to produce panels with predetermined lengths, which are thenoverlapped or put side by side to each other, framing them withinspecific posts (or in a supporting structure in general), with the aimof making a floor of a construction or the lateral walls or the closingroof. It is clear how, once the different parts are cut and shaped, thecomposition work is rather fast and simple. Also the production ofpanels is relatively cheap and fast especially if it is realized inindustrial quantity.

However, the prior art presents a number of drawbacks.

The panels and the other structural parts that are combined together forthe realization of the entire structure, must be assembled in a stablemanner in a way that supports and sustains all kinds of pressures,comprising those due to bad weather (for example the wind). Theassembling phase requires then (with the current solutions found on themarket) a big loss of time and cost increases.

According to a first technical solution, the realization, for example,of the walls of a house requires the insertion of panels withpredetermined lengths inside a supporting structure (usually a postframe or similar) to make the structure stable and firm. It is thenimportant to stabilize the structure with screws, glues or similar,realizing this way a finished module that can be placed in loco. It isclear how this solution is extremely expensive and long.

It is clear how the technical solution that comprises an assembly bymeans of screws is wasteful in terms of time and costs, beyond resultsthat are not very reliable. The high number of screws tend to blunt anddamage the structure, making it not very reliable especially when it isexposed to bad weather. Moreover, the eventual disassembly becomespractically impossible, as the structure results to be damaged by a lotof holes, beyond being not practicable in terms of time.

In the same way, the solution that comprises the use of glue requires awasteful job in terms of time and makes disassembly entirely impossible.

A common problem with both the screw and the glue solution relates tothe take up of slack. It is common that, with the passage of time, theseal elements loosen up. For example, the screw seats get damaged andthe glue gives. In this manner the structure is not stable anymore butstarts to be more or less stressed. Then it is not unusual that theloosening of the structure causes accidental events such as crashes (forexample due to a mistaken impact with a car). The present solutions donot permit in any manner to take up slacks, making the elimination ofthe weakening of the structure impossible. Indeed it is not possible toblock the screws beyond a limit which would cause the breaking of thethreads or of the seats within which they are screwed.

Another solution comprises on the other hand the realization of paneledges shaped as groove-and-tongue joints. In this manner the twoadjacent walls (even placed at angle to each other) get blocked in astable manner without the need of a supporting structure realized withposts and screws. However, also in this case, the cost results to behigh, because very expensive and specific machinery suitable to work theterminal parts of each panel is required to achieve this particularshape. Moreover, the junction becomes exposed to bad weather with therisk of breakage and crushes. It is really easy that in the points wherethe groove-and-tongue joint meet, rain water stagnates, damaging thewood.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a new typeof structure for prefabricate units that resolves all the abovementioned drawbacks.

In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a typeof structure for prefabricate units that allows a fast, economicassemblage and that is eventually easily removable.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a structure thateasily allows taking up slack.

These and other aims are obtained through a structure for therealization of prefabricate units according to the invention, whichincludes:

a frame comprising at least two posts;

at least a panel framed within said posts;

characterized by the fact that the at least two posts comprise tractionmeans configured to apply a reciprocal approaching action to the postssuch to block the panel comprised between them.

Advantageously, the two posts are opposed to each other in order toframe the panel at its two sides. Moreover, to fix the above said meansof traction to the posts, these comprise respectively at least a hole orsimilar to allow the coupling.

The simple screws or glues of the prior art bind all the panels to theposts with a mechanical joint action. In fact, a screw penetrates bothinto the panel and into the post realizing a blocking mechanicalconnection. In the same way the glue binds the post to all the panels.The present solution, on the other hand, provides a binding actionthrough traction applied on the posts in order to compact them towardsthe panels and block them. This way, the mechanical interaction ofdirect connection between the panel and the post through screw or glueis totally eliminated.

Advantageously, the hole obtained respectively on the posts is passingthrough the entire transversal section of the post.

Moreover, the hole obtained on the post is coaxial with the respectivehole of the opposite post and to the axis placed orthogonally or almostorthogonally respect to the axis of the posts defining this way a coupleof holes positioned within the axis. According to this solution, thetraction means comprise at least a tie bar or the like inserted alongthe couple of holes within the axis, such to apply said approachingaction to block the panel.

Thus, it is clear how the constructive choice of realizing on the twoposts a couple of holes within axis allows the insertion of simplerectilinear tie bars that substitute efficiently the numerous fasteners,applying a very efficient packing action.

To this end, the tie bar comprises packing means.

In one embodiment, the packing means comprise at least a screw nut/locknut coupling or similar respectively applied at the two ends of the tiebar in order to apply the blocking action.

Thus, by tightening the screw nut/lock nut, the tie bar causes areciprocal approaching of a post towards the other and therefore theblockage of the panel.

In another embodiment, the packing means comprise at least a screw nutcoupling and a lock.

Among the different, possible positions of the holes on the post, thepreferred solution provides that the couple of holes within the axis lieon a longitudinal plane.

In particular, the plane is the mid point plane of the posts.

Advantageously, the panel comprises in correspondence to its back and/orfront joint means of groove-and-tongue type to allow a reciprocaloverlap.

In particular, the joint means comprise a site obtained incorrespondence of the front of the panel and at least a tooth or thelike obtained on the back, said site and said tooth extendinglongitudinally along the entire longitudinal length of the panel.

In order to allow the assemblage of the structure, being the holesplaced on the longitudinal mid point plane of the posts and thus also ofthe panel framed between them, the panel placed at the passage of thetie bar comprises a passage site.

In this way, the tie bar results hiding and, beyond having a goodaesthetic impact, is advantageously protected against bad weather.

According to the height of the structure, a plurality of panels areinserted in such a way to overlie each other within the posts.

In that case, the above mentioned joint means allow a firm and alwayscentered reciprocal coupling.

In the case of several overlapped panels, at least two couples ofcoaxial holes are provided, each couple being placed at a differentheight h from each other to allow the application of the respective tiebars for each height.

In this way, a uniform compaction force along the entire height of thestructure will be applied. It is clear at this point the advantage ofthe present invention. Few tie bars distributed along the height of thestructure substitute many screws. Moreover, the take up slack is simpleand immediate. By simply operating on a screw nut/lock nut coupling ofthe tie bar, it is possible to regulate at any time the packaging actionof the panels.

Advantageously, each tie bar is placed at its respective height happroximately coinciding or close to the overlap line of two panels, theupper panel comprising the passage site that can contain the entirethickness of the tie bar and of the tooth of the underlying panel, suchthat the tie bar results hidden within the two overlapped panels.

This solution is constructively simple. In fact, the previous passagehole is easily substituted with the same passage site realized simplydeeper. Such operation will be performed only for the panel that willreceive the tie bar.

Alternatively, the traction means can be configured according todifferent embodiments having a simple rectilinear tie bar. For example,the traction means can comprise one of the following choices:

a tie bar with approximately an overturned U shape placed incorrespondence to the upper bases of the posts;

ferromagnetic elements inserted in correspondence of the hole (10)within axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will beclearer from the description of some embodiments that follows, made toillustrate but not limit the invention, and with reference to theannexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a prospective view of a structure according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows two equivalent types of groove/tongue coupling present onthe back and front of the panel to allow a reciprocal overlap;

FIG. 3 shows schematically the center line of the holes for theapplication of the tie bars;

FIG. 4 shows schematically the longitudinal mid point plane of theposts, on which the center lines of the holes lie and a constructivedetail of the tie bar;

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the tie bar and the passage site ofthe same along a panel;

FIG. 6 shows schematically an assembly step and a positioning of the tiebar in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows schematically different embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates the invention relative to a base structure suitablefor the realization of prefabricated units. In a totally general manner,what is described is applicable not only for the realization of walls,but of any structural parts suitable to manufacture a prefabricatedconstruction of any type.

Generally, the base structure includes a frame 1 of any kind anddimension. In the specific case of FIG. 1, the illustrated frameincludes two posts (2; 2′) pushing against of each other, or ratherplaces one in front of the other at a predetermined distance. A panel 3,or more generally a plurality of panels 3, can be framed within theposts to produce a wall structure usable in prefabricated constructions.

Generally each of the posts, in order to contain the panels, compriserespectively a sliding seat (4, 4′) within which are inserted the twolateral edges (5, 5′) of each panel 3. In this manner, it is possible toinsert the panels one onto the other making them slide along the seatsthat run along the entire height of each post, making simple theassemblage and assuring the position of the panels.

In particular (see FIG. 2), each panel comprises in correspondence ofits back 6 and of its front 7 blocking means (8, 9; 8′, 9′) ofgroove-and-tongue type to allow a certain seal after their reciprocaloverlap. For example, a hole 9′ and pin 8′ joint realizes agroove/tongue joint. In the specific case of the preferredconfiguration, each panel has a seat 9 at the face and a tooth 8 at theback. Both tooth and seat run along the entire longitudinal length ofthe panel. In this manner, the tooth on the back of a panel getsinserted in the seat of the panel placed above, thereby realizing thejoint.

According to the invention (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 1), each of the postsincludes respectively at least a hole 10, or a seat in general, on whichit is possible to apply traction means 11. The means are able to apply aforce F that determinates the reciprocal approaching of the posts insuch a way to clamp and package the panels that are comprised withinthem. In general, the force can have different directions according tothe traction means used, and anyway such to determinate a reciprocalapproaching of the two posts.

Thus, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention (seeFIG. 3), generally usable for panels of great length (even larger thanthree meters), the holes obtained on the opposite posts are passingthrough the entire transversal length 12 of the post. In particular, thehole obtained on a post is coaxial (or rather has a coinciding axis)with the respective hole 10 of the opposed post. In this way, the twoholes have a common axis disposed on a longitudinal plane 14 passingthrough the two posts (see FIG. 4). FIG. 4 shows in detail thelongitudinal plane passing through the middle point of the posts, butany other higher or lower position than the mid point can be usedwithout departing from the present inventive concept. Moreover, thehole's axis is orthogonal or almost orthogonal with respect to the axis13 of the same posts (see FIG. 3). This design makes it possible toinsert a rectilinear tie bar passing through each couple of holes toconnect the two posts, thereby applying the packing action.

The tie bar could be of any kind suitable to accomplish such function.As schematically described in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a particularly suitabletie bar could be made of a sort of screw (16; 16′), or rod in general,in combination to packing means (17, 17′; 17″, 18) suitable to close thetie bar on the posts to apply the clamping action.

For example a first embodiment provides for the rod 16 to be threaded atits ends or along its entire length, which is inserted through a coupleof holes (10). In this way it is for example possible to use the screwnut 17—lock nut 17′ coupling or similar to realize the clamping byenclosing the structure.

In a non limitative manner other types of tie rod could be used that aretotally equivalent. For example, another embodiment provides for a screw16′ comprising a free threaded end and a stopper 18 opposed andconfigured to snug against the wall surrounding the insertion hole 10.In this manner it is sufficient to have a simple nut 17″ screwable atthe free end to operate the enclosing action.

In order to apply more tie bars at different heights h (especially inthe case of very high walls) it is then possible to provide additionalcouples of holes placed at different heights (see FIG. 1). The tie baris inserted at the different heights (FIG. 1 shows two heights h₁ andh₂, but any number of heights greater than two can be easily used)operating thus a clamping action that is uniform along the entire heightof the structure realizing also a transportable module.

In a preferred embodiment see FIG. 4), the holes are realized in such amanner to lie on the longitudinal midpoint plane of the posts tocoincide with one of the panels framed between them. In this manner thetie bar passing through each couple of holes lies on the longitudinalmidpoint plane of the panel. For this aim, the panels provided tointercept the tie bar are supplied with a passing seat 15 that runsalong their entire longitudinal length (which may be embodied as alongitudinal hole passing through the panel) realizing a hiddencontainment of the tie bar. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 isrepresentative of such technical solution.

In one embodiment of the invention, the couple of coaxial holes 10 areprovided at heights that are approximately coinciding or close to theline of overlap of the two panels. In this embodiment, it is possible touse the seat 9 of the panel provided for the groove-and-tail coupling tothe panel below, allowing this way the passage of the tie bar withoutthe previously described seat 15. In such case, then, the seat 9 isrealized with a greater height with respect to the others, allowing thisway to contain both the tie bar 16 or 16′ and the tooth 8 of the panelbelow, realizing in this manner a disappearance of the tie bar and aperfect matching of the two overlapped panels (see FIG. 6 and thesection detail of FIG. 6).

It is also possible to provide on the posts in correspondence to the tiebars, a small recess configured to receive and hide the packing means toprotect them from bad weather.

Without departing from the present inventive concept, the holes can beplaced still on longitudinal planes as described, but not at themidpoint. Thus they can be placed behind or in front of the panelssimply changing this way the visual impact of the tie bar but not thefunctionality. Moreover, in the case when there are simple hole 9′ andpin 8′ couplings, a seat 9 could be provided similar to the one alreadydescribed but which will have a depth such to contain exclusively thetie bar.

Without limitation, tie bars could be provided with different geometriesand not necessarily rectilinear. These could then be disposed in passingholes that are not necessarily coaxial to each other or necessarilylying on longitudinal planes, without for this reason departing from thepresent inventive concept.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 7), particularlyadvantageous for structures with contained width and height, couldcontain traction means 211 (for example a U-shaped tie bar) applied onthe upper bases of the two posts. In this manner the closing tractionaction will be applied from above through the arms of the tie barinserted within the posts at an adequate depth.

Another preferred embodiment, also particularly advantageous forstructures with contained width and height, can comprise the applicationof magnets in correspondence to the coaxial holes to apply the closingaction. These magnets can then be eventually activated when necessary orbe of a permanent kind.

The assembly procedure of the structure according to a preferredembodiment is described next.

In a first step, the posts (2, 2′) with the holes 10 are placed to berespectively coaxial in couples, positioning them one in front of theother (see FIG. 1). Thus the first panel 3 is then inserted slippinginto the guides (4, 4′) in such a way that the tooth 8 corresponds tothe first height h₁ where passage of the first tie bar is expected. Atthis point the first tie bar is inserted and only afterwards the upperpanel, obtaining a configuration as the one described in detail of FIG.6 Section A-A, where the tie bar 16 is contained in the hiding seat 9.The upper panels are then inserted until the second height h₂ isreached, where the second tie bar is to be inserted (see FIG. 1) andthese steps are repeated for the entire height of the structure. The tiebars are then clamped with screw a nut and/or lock nut (17, 17′) or(17″, 18) or similar, producing the entire structure and realizingrapidly the final module, which is transportable.

It is now clear how all the aims of the present invention have beenreached. In particular, it is clear how the clamping system of a panelwithin the posts allows for a fast assembly, easily removable andresistant to the bad weather. The tie bar is hidden within the panelsand is protected from bad weather, highly prolonging its lifetime. It isalso clear how take up of slack is simple by simply tightening whenrequired the nut/lock/nut coupling of the tie bar.

The above description of certain embodiments describes the inventionfrom a conceptive point of view, in a way that others, by using thepresent disclosure, can modify and/or adapt it in different applicationswithout any additional research and without departing from the presentinventive concept. Therefore, adaptations and transformations of thepresently described embodiments will be considered as equivalent to whatis disclosed in the present description. The means and materials used tocarry out the present invention can be of various natures withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. It is intended that theexpressions or the terminology used herein have a simple descriptive aimand therefore are not limiting.

1. A base structure to produce a prefabricated unit comprising: a framecomprising at least two posts; at least a panel framed within saidposts; wherein said at least two posts are coupled with traction meansconfigured to apply a reciprocal approaching action to the posts such toblock the panel comprised between said posts.
 2. The base structureaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least two posts are opposite toeach other, and wherein each post comprises at least one opening toreceive said traction means.
 3. The base structure according to claim 2,wherein said at least one opening extends along an entire transversalsection of the post.
 4. The base structure according to claim 2, whereinthe opening on one post is coaxial to the opening on the opposite post,each of the openings having an axis that is essentially orthogonal withrespect to a longitudinal axis respective post, the openings on the postand on the opposite post defining a couple of coaxial openings, andwherein said traction means comprise at least a tie bar inserted intothe couple of coaxial openings such to apply said reciprocal approachingaction, thereby blocking the panel.
 5. The base structure according toclaim 4, where said tie bar comprises packing means.
 6. The basestructure according to claim 5, wherein said packing means comprise atleast a threaded nut coupling applied at each end of the tie bar toblock the panel.
 7. The base structure according to claim 5, whereinsaid packing means comprise at least a threaded nut coupling at one end.8. The base structure according to claim 4, wherein said coaxial coupleof openings are disposed on a plane extending through the post and theopposite post longitudinally.
 9. The base structure according to claim8, wherein said plane comprises the longitudinal axes of the post and ofthe opposite post.
 10. The base structure according to claim 4, whereinsaid at least a panel comprises, at one or more of is its back or frontedges, joint means of groove-and-tongue type to allow an overlap withanother panel.
 11. The base structure according to claim 10, whereinsaid joint means comprise a recess at the front edge of the panel and aprotrusion at the back edge, said recess and said protrusion extendinglongitudinally along an entire longitudinal length of the panel.
 12. Thebase structure according to claim 11, wherein said recess furtherdefines a passage seat configured to house said tie bar.
 13. The basestructure according to claim 4, wherein said at least a panel is aplurality of panels overlying on each other within said posts.
 14. Thebase structure according to claim 13, wherein there are at least twocouples of coaxial openings, each couple of openings being placed at adifferent height h from each other to allow the application a respectivetie bar for each height.
 15. The base structure according to claim 14,wherein each respective tie bar is placed at the different height hwhich essentially coincides with an overlap line of two panels, an upperpanel comprising said passage seat configured house the tie bar and aprotrusion extending from an underlying panel, such to cause said tiebar to be hidden within said two overlapped panels.
 16. The basestructure according to claim 2, wherein said traction means are selectedfrom the group consisting of a tie bar essentially shaped like anoverturned U, the base of the overturned U being disposed at upper endsof the posts, and ferromagnetic elements inserted at different openingswithin the posts.